Let the past be past and let us start with a completely brand new slate so that we can write what we desire: Jamir
DIMAPUR/NEW DELHI: “I am a retired man. I am not affiliated to any political organization, be it underground or overground.....," says veteran Naga leader SC Jamir, a former Nagaland CM and ex-Governor of Gujarat -- when Narendra Modi was the state Chief Minister.
As Governor, notably, Jamir never had any problem with Modi though he has been a Congressman. In January 2020, the Modi government honoured him with third highest civilian award Padma Bhushan.
In an interview to Dimapur-based, 'Nagaland Page', he says - "I don’t belong to any civil societies. I am a free citizen”.
On the controversies and related issues vis-a-vis Naga peace talks, Jamir further said - “Let the past be past and let us start with a completely brand new slate so that we can write what we desire.”
Recently, the Nagaland Gao Bura Federation (NGBF) demanded that as he is only 'living signatory' of the historic 16-Point Agreement - that heralded statehood for Nagaland - Jamir should be invited as an invitee for the grand signing ceremony of the expected Peace Accord between Government of India and Naga militant groups.
But some of the old issues would, however, remain.
NSCN(IM) recently issued a statement saying Governor R N Ravi, who is also peace interlocutor, has got influenced by Jamir.
RN Ravi "had got himself a good partner in ex-Chief Minister of Nagaland and ex-Governor Mr. S C Jamir who is tooth and nail against Naga solution defending the 16 Point Agreement.
Both of them had been surreptitiously working together and they are responsible for holding the NNPGs in the grip and misled the GoI, particularly the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi)", said a statement from NSCN(IM) on late Sunday night, August 16.
But on the peace talks and progress made lately, Jamir chose to brush aside his role.
“I have nothing to do with the (Naga political) Agreement because I am not a part of it.” Jamir categorically stated adding he was also not aware of the competencies of the Agreement.
However, he sought not to conceal a few points of suggestion ----- “Settlement has to be inclusive, and with all the groups. But NSCN-IM should not delay anymore; they should also read the minds of the Naga people. They have already achieved what is possible, so why should they talk about what is not possible.”
Of course, Jamir's reference to "what is not possible" is certainly linked to NSCN(IM) demand for a separate Flag and Constitution for Nagas.
Reacting to NSCN-IM's reference of his name vis-a-vis alleged links with Governor Ravi, Jamir said - “As a layman, I have nothing to do with the ongoing political process between GoI and Naga underground leaders. I am not a member of any group. This kind of outrageous criticism is not called for from a responsible organization who would be deciding the future of the Naga people.”
He also said - “They don’t have any magic wand. We should appreciate the problems being faced by the underground leaders and the GoI. So we should not doubt their sincerity and their honesty".
Asked about NSCN-IM’s firm stand on the issue of the flag and constitution, Jamir noted that the “Naga flag was meant for Nagalim, not for Nagaland, and not for territorial councils. I don’t think we should get bogged down on the issue of the flag. I don’t think that GoI will be able to give more than what is provided within the Constitution of India.”
Union Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muralidharan has asserted that the NDA Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is more than keen to bring the decades old Naga issue to a logical conclusion.
He said this while addressing the Nagaland State BJP Unit’s first virtual meeting of its executive for the tenure 2020-2023 held on August 29.
However, several BJP legislators and office bearers opposed to state unit chief Temjen Imna Along stayed away from the meet, according to insiders.
Most of these MLAs and other leaders are against the leadership of Along, who is also a state Minister and is allegedly 'close to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio'.
In July, some of these leaders had flayed Along and urged the high command to replace him. Apparently, the demand remains pending.
In his speech, Muralidharan said - “The Naga political issue is at a very crucial juncture, and that the NDA Government led by the Prime Minister Modi, National President JP Nadda, Union Home Minister and Chairperson of the NDA Amit Shah are very keen to bring the decades old Naga issue to a logical conclusion”.
BJP general secretary Ram Madhav also addressed the meeting.
He made a veiled reference to internal problems stating --- “The Nagaland BJP should dedicate itself towards fulfilling the welfare and well being of the people of Nagaland; and raise above internal challenges that comes naturally when a party grows in strength".
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